One of the key players missing from Real Madrid’s preseason tour of the United States is Kylian Mbappé. The French forward, who recently captained France to the semifinals of Euro 2024, is currently on holiday and will not be participating in Madrid’s upcoming friendlies against AC Milan, Barcelona, and Chelsea in their Soccer Champions Tour.
Apart from Mbappé, Real Madrid is also dealing with the absence of Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal. Bellingham and Carvajal, who represented England and Spain, respectively, in the Euro 2024 final, are also on vacation and will not be part of the preseason tour.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has included Brazil teenage forward Endrick in the 26-man roster for the preseason tour. Endrick recently made a permanent transfer from Palmeiras after turning 18. Additionally, Endrick’s Brazil teammates Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo Goes are expected to join the squad in the coming days.
Ancelotti has decided to include 12 youth players in the travelling squad for the preseason tour. This move highlights Madrid’s commitment to nurturing young talent and providing them with opportunities to shine on a big stage.
While Kylian Mbappé may be absent from the preseason tour, he is expected to link up with the Real Madrid squad immediately after the U.S. tour concludes. He is anticipated to make his debut for the club against Atalanta in the European Super Cup in Warsaw on August 14th. Mbappé recently joined Madrid as a free agent after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired.
Real Madrid’s preseason tour will feature matches against AC Milan, Barcelona, and Chelsea. The team will face AC Milan at Soldier Field in Chicago on July 31, followed by the highly anticipated Clasico against Barcelona on August 3 at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The tour will conclude with a match against Chelsea on August 6 at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Overall, while the absence of Kylian Mbappé is a significant loss for Real Madrid’s preseason preparations, the team has shown resilience by including new additions to the squad and providing opportunities for young players to showcase their talent. The upcoming matches against top European clubs will serve as valuable experience for the team as they gear up for the upcoming season.